Really wants to be Dragon Age: Origins, but ultimately can't achieve the same level of depth when it comes to the mix of real-time and tactical combat. You only control two characters across the entire game and with battles being largely melee-oriented your strategic options are limited. Given how annoying it can be to queue up attacks or target specific enemies when swarmed, this is probably one of those games that fares a bit worse on consoles and would benefit from the freedom offered by a mouse-and-keyboard. The inclusion of stealth gameplay is nice, but loses some of its luster when you realize enemies completely ignore dead bodies.

The story and world are fantastic. The dynamic between the two well-realized protagonists carries the feeling of a buddy movie and the way it flip-flops the role of orcs and humans turns fantasy conventions on their head. Not everything is entirely fleshed out though. For example, one seemingly important side-character isn't developed and I believe a subplot involving one of the lead's father might have been left on the cutting room floor. However, the main thread itself is excellent and the fact that I was left wanting a bit more exploration into the supporting elements should serve as a testament how compelling the setting is.

With levels being so linear funnelling you from point A to point B with little room for side excursions and player choice largely being an illusion in the narrative, I can't help but wonder if Of Orcs and Men might not have been better served as a straight action game. Because with the approach taken here actually playing through it isn't the most enjoyable thing in the world. It's just worth it for the concept.

6/10